Rain headed to panhandle

The National Weather Service of Mobile is advising residents of the Florida panhandle that a few rainy days are on the way from a storm brewing in the Gulf.

The National Hurricane Center sent out an advisory Sunday that a system in the Gulf of Mexico had the potential for tropical or subtropical characteristics. That risk has since been down graded. With hurricane season less than three weeks away, this storm could have been an early starter.

Meteorologist Ryan Rogers said the biggest impact from this system will be rain.

“The main idea here is that there will be brief, heavy rainfall of about one to two inches,” he said. “We also do have a moderate risk of rip currents through Thursday.”

Rogers said initial concerns of possible coastal flooding and other impacts have been down graded. Even if this storm has turned out to be less threatening, he said this is a good reminder that hurricane season is here.

“This is a good refresher to remind people that hurricane season is coming,” he said. “Be prepared, and certainly now is a good time to have your hurricane kit and secure your important documents.”